Gene Siskel
Eugene Kal Siskel (January 26, 1946 – February 20, 1999) was an American film critic and journalist for the Chicago Tribune. He is best known for co-hosting various movie review television series with colleague Roger Ebert.
Gene Siskel | |
|---|---|
Siskel at the 61st Academy Awards in 1989 | |
| Born | Eugene Kal Siskel January 26, 1946 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | February 20, 1999 (aged 53) Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Westlawn Cemetery |
| Education | Yale University (BA) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1969–1999 |
| Notable credit(s) | Opening Soon at a Theater Near You (1975–1977) Sneak Previews (1977–1982) At the Movies (1982–1986) Siskel & Ebert (1986–1999) CBS This Morning (1990–1996) Good Morning America (1996–1999) |
| Spouse |
Marlene Iglitzen (m. 1980) |
| Children | 3 |
Siskel started writing for the Chicago Tribune in 1969, becoming its film critic soon after. In 1975, he was paired with Roger Ebert to co-host a monthly show called Opening Soon at a Theater Near You airing locally on PBS member station WTTW. In 1978, the show, renamed Sneak Previews, was expanded to weekly episodes and aired on PBS affiliates all around the United States. In 1982, Siskel and Ebert both left Sneak Previews to create the syndicated show At the Movies. Following a contract dispute with Tribune Entertainment in 1986, Siskel and Ebert signed with Buena Vista Television, creating Siskel & Ebert & the Movies (renamed Siskel & Ebert in 1987, and renamed again several times after Siskel's death).
Known for their biting wit, intense professional rivalry, heated arguments, and their trademark "Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down" movie ratings system, Siskel and Ebert became celebrated in American pop culture. Siskel was diagnosed with brain cancer in May 1998, but remained in the public eye as Ebert's professional partner until his death the following year.